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[DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 12 MAY 2023]

NATO AND ITS ENGAGEMENT WITH INDIA

 
 
1. Context

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record.

For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military non-alignment and being focused more on their internal socio-economic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe


2. About NATO

  • NATO is a political-military alliance: “Security in our daily lives is key to our well-being. NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.”
  • NATO is committed to collective defense: ” NATO is committed to the principle that an attack against one or several of its members is considered as an attack against all. This is the principle of collective defense, which is enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.
  • So far, Article 5 has been invoked once – in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.”
  • NATO has the TransAtlantic link: NATO is an alliance of countries from Europe and North America. It provides a unique link between these two continents, enabling them to consult and cooperate in the field of defense and security, and conduct multinational crisis-management operations together.
  • Thirty countries are members of NATO currently. NATO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The headquarters of the Allied Command Operations is near Mons, also in Belgium.

3. The origin of NATO

  • At the end of WWII, as battered European nations started to rebuild their economies, the US, which believed that an economically strong, re-armed, and integrated Europe was critical to prevent the westward expansion of the communist USSR, embarked on a program to supply economic aid to the continent on a massive scale.
  • The European Recovery Programme, known as the Marshall Plan after President Harry S Truman’s Secretary of State George C Marshall, promoted the idea of shared interests and cooperation between the US and Europe.
  • The USSR declined to participate in the Marshall Plan and discouraged eastern European states in its sphere of influence from receiving American economic assistance.
  • In the 1946-49 Greek Civil War, the US and UK worked to thwart the Soviet-backed communist takeover of Greece.
  • The Western nations threw their weight behind Turkey as it stood up to Soviet pressure over control of the Bosporus and Dardanelles Strait (which connect the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara and the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea respectively) — and in 1947-48, the US committed itself to contain the communist uprisings in Turkey and Greece.
  • In 1948, Stalin’s government sponsored a coup in (erstwhile) Czechoslovakia, which led to the installation of a communist regime in a country sharing borders with both Soviet-controlled East Germany and pro-West West Germany.
  • In 1948-49, the Soviets blockaded West Berlin to force the US, UK, and France to give up their post-war jurisdictions in the country, leading to a major crisis and an 11-month airlift of supplies by Western countries to keep their part of the city going.
  • All these events led the US to conclude that an American-European alliance against the USSR was necessary.
  • The Europeans too were convinced of the need for a collective security solution, and in March 1948, the UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed the Brussels Treaty of collective defense, which meant that if any of the signatories faced an attack, they would be defended by all the others.
  • a few months later, the US Congress passed the Vandenburg Resolution, a landmark action “advising the President to seek US and free world security through support of mutual defense arrangements that operated within the UN Charter but outside the Security Council, where the Soviet veto would thwart collective defense arrangements”.
  • The Vandenburg Resolution was the stepping stone to NATO. The US believed the treaty would be more effective if it included, apart from the signatories of the Brussels Treaty, countries of the North Atlantic — Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, and Portugal.
  • From the American perspective, these countries were the links between the two shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and could help facilitate military action if it was needed.
  • The treaty was signed in Washington DC on April 4, 1949. It had 12 signatories initially: the US, UK, Canada, France, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Iceland, and Luxembourg.
  • Greece and Turkey were admitted in 1952, and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in 1955. Spain joined in 1982, and in 1999, a decade after the collapse of the USSR, the former Soviet bloc countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland became part of NATO.
  • Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined in 2004, Albania and Croatia in 2009, Montenegro in 2017, and North Macedonia in 2020, taking the membership of the alliance to 30.

4. Russia's discontent with NATO

  • Hostility to the USSR was the reason NATO came into being, and in 1955, the Soviet Union signed its collective defense treaty, known as the Warsaw Pact, with seven eastern European countries — Poland, Czechoslovakia, Albania, Bulgaria, East Germany, Hungary, and Romania.
  • The Warsaw Pact collapsed with the end of the Cold War and was formally declared disbanded in February 1991. Among its signatories, the USSR, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany no longer exist, and the remaining five countries are part of NATO.
  • Barring a brief period after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia under Putin has been suspicious and insecure about the West. The three Baltic states, now part of NATO, share borders with Russia, and only Belarus and Ukraine among the countries that were once in its sphere of influence are now outside of the western military alliance.
  • From the perspective of the Kremlin, keeping a buffer between NATO and Russia along its southern and western borders is critical to its security. 
  • A hostile Ukraine, protected by NATO’s nuclear umbrella, could potentially have missile launchpads within a few hundred kilometers of Moscow, and cut off Russia’s access to the warm water ports of the Black Sea — it was in part to pre-empt this eventuality that Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

5. The Major Alliances of NATO

  • Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) is a 50-nation multilateral forum for dialogue and consultation on political and security-related issues among Allies and partner countries.
  • Mediterranean Dialogue is a partnership forum that aims to contribute to security and stability in NATO’s Mediterranean and North African neighborhoods.
  • Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) is a partnership that aims at long-term global and regional security by offering non-NATO countries in the broader Middle East region the opportunity to cooperate with NATO.

6. India's Engagement with NATO

  • India’s talks with NATO hold significance given that the North Atlantic alliance has been engaging both China and Pakistan in bilateral dialogue. There was a view here that given the role of Beijing and Islamabad in New Delhi’s strategic imperatives, reaching out to NATO would add a key dimension to India’s growing engagement with the US and Europe.
  • The government, sources said, was of the view that engaging NATO in a political dialogue would provide New Delhi an opportunity to bring about a balance in NATO’s perceptions about the situation in regions and issues of concern to India.
  • In NATO’s view, India, given its geo-strategic position and unique perspectives on various issues, was relevant to international security and can be an important partner in informing the alliance about India’s region and beyond, the sources said.

 

7. Common Interests of India and NATO

  • From NATO’s perspective, it was not China, but Russia whose aggressive actions, continued to be the main threat to Euro-Atlantic security, and NATO had faced difficulties to convene meetings of the NATO-Russia Council due to Russian refusal to place issues such as Ukraine and Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, on the agenda.
  • Given the divergence among NATO countries, its view on China was seen as mixed; while it did deliberate on China’s rise, the conclusion was that China presented both a challenge and an opportunity.
  • In Afghanistan, NATO saw the Taliban as a political entity, which was not in line with India’s stance. This was almost two years before the Taliban announced an interim government in Afghanistan in September 2021.
  • However, the Indian side felt maritime security as a principal area of conversation in the future, given a substantial common ground with NATO.

8. Perspectives of Global leaders on NATO

  • Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares: ‘NATO must reach out to all countries like India which might be good partners.
  • Ahead of the NATO summit in Madrid on June 28, visiting Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares on Wednesday said that NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), which traditionally only looked towards the eastern flank, must also look to the southern flank, and reach out to all those countries that like India, might be good partners, and interested in keeping stability in the world.

 

FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

 

1. Context

It has been a year since The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and states in a writ petition seeking the enforcement of the fundamental duties of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of India. The petition, filed by advocate Durga Dutt, argues that citizens have a duty to uphold the ideals of the country and to contribute to its growth and betterment and that not carrying out the fundamental duties of the citizen has a direct bearing on the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

2. Background

  • The original constitution of India contained only the Fundamental Rights and not the Fundamental Duties.
  • In 1976, Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd CAA, 1976. One more FD was added by the 86th CAA 2002, totaling 11 duties.
  • Fundamental Duties are inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR.
  • The Japanese Constitution is the only democratic constitution in the world with a list of duties of citizens.
  • Supreme Court (1992): In determining the constitutional validity of any law, if the law in question seeks to give effect to FDs, it may consider such law to be ‘reasonable’ in relation to Art. 14 or Art. 19 and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.
  • Paying taxes (Recommended by Swaran Singh) and voting in elections are not included in Fundamental Duties.
  • FDs help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law.
    Fundamental Duties are confined to citizens only & not to foreigners.

3. List of Fundamental Duties

  1. To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag and National Anthem (Not including the national song).
  2. To follow the noble ideals that inspired the struggle for freedom.
  3. To protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  4. To render national service when called upon to do so.
  5. To promote the common spirit of brotherhood amongst all Indians + to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
  6. To preserve the rich heritage of the country’s culture.
  7. To protect the national environment including forests, lakes, wildlife, etc.
  8. To develop a scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of reform and inquiry.
  9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
  10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individuals.
  11. To provide an opportunity for education to his child between the age of 6 and 14 years.

4. Important Feature of Fundamental Duties

  • Fundamental duties are confined to citizens only & not to foreigners.
  • Fundamental duties are non-justiciable by courts. However, parliament can enforce this through suitable legislation.
  • The duty to pay taxes and the Duty to vote are not part of Fundamental Duties.
  • Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999). Identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of some Fundamental Duties. Ex: Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
  • Verma committee recommended reorienting approaches to the school curriculum and teacher education programs and incorporating FDs in higher and professional education.

5. Swaran Singh Committee recommendations

  • In 1976, the Fundamental Duties were first recommended by the Swaran Singh committee; its need was felt during the internal emergency (1975-77).
  • The 42nd CAA, 1976 added a new part IV-A to the constitution consisting of a single Article 51A, which contains ten fundamental duties of citizens (Presently 11 duties).
  • The committee suggested eight Fundamental Duties, the 42nd CAA, 1976 included ten Fundamental Duties.
  • Swaran Singh Committee had suggested for penalty or punishment for the non-performance of Fundamental Duties.
  • No law imposing such a penalty or punishment shall be called in question in any court.
  • Duty to pay taxes should also be a Fundamental Duty of the citizens.
For Prelims: Fundamental Duties, 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 86th Constitutional Amendment, Swaran Singh Committee, Article 51A, Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999).

Previous year Questions

1. Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen? (UPSC 2017)
1. A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties.
2. They are correlative to legal duties.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
 
2. Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution? (UPSC 2012)
1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1, 3, and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer C
 
3. Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty? (UPSC 2011) 
A. To vote in public elections
B. To develop the scientific temper
C. To safeguard public property
D. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
Answer: A
Source: The Indian Express

INDIAN SPACE POLICY 2023

 
 
1.Context
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Indian Space Policy 2023 that had been in the works for some years. The document has been received positively by industry. However, it needs to be followed up with suitable legislation, accompanied by clear rules and regulations. Just preceding this, this writer wrote the article, “Awaiting lift-off into the Second Space Age” (April 10, 2023), which said that India’s modest entry into the First Space Age followed by its many gains should be used to help the country tap the vast potential in the Second Space Age
 
2.Background
  • Until the early 1990s, India’s space industry and space economy were defined by ISRO. Private sector involvement was limited to building to ISRO designs and specifications
  • The Second Space Age began with the licensing of private TV channels, the explosive growth of the Internet, mobile telephony, and the emergence of the smartphone. Today, while ISRO’s budget is approximately $1.6 billion, India’s space economy is over $9.6 billion
  • Broadband, OTT and 5G promise a double-digit annual growth in satellite-based services. It is estimated that with an enabling environment, the Indian space industry could grow to $60 billion by 2030, directly creating more than two lakh jobs
3. History of Space Policy
  • The first satellite communication policy was introduced in 1997, with guidelines for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the satellite industry that were further liberalised but never generated much enthusiasm
  •  Today, more than half the transponders beaming TV signals into Indian homes are hosted on foreign satellites, resulting in an annual outflow of over half a billion dollars
  • A remote sensing data policy was introduced in 2001, which was amended in 2011; in 2016, it was replaced by a National Geospatial Policy that has been further liberalised in 2022
  •  Yet, Indian users including the security and defence agencies spend nearly a billion dollars annually to procure earth observation data and imagery from foreign sources
  • To streamline matters, a draft Space Activities Bill was brought out in 2017, which went through a long consultative process. It lapsed in 2019 with the outgoing Lok Sabha
4. 2023 Space Policy
  • Indian Space Policy 2023 is qualitatively different from previous efforts
  • The ‘Vision’ is to “enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space” that suggests an acceptance that the private sector is a critical stakeholder in the entire value chain of the space economy
  • It defines its role in India’s “socio-economic development and security, protection of environment and lives, pursuing peaceful exploration of outer space, stimulation of public awareness and scientific quest”
  • Considering that space-based intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, communication, positioning and navigation capabilities are increasingly seen as mission critical by the defence services, that India conducted a successful A-SAT (anti-satellite) direct ascent test in March 2019, and, in the same year, set up the Defence Space Agency and the Defence Space Research Organisation
  • The policy lays out a strategy and then spells out the roles of the Department of Space, ISRO, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) set up in 2020, and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector unit set up in 2019 under the Department of Space as the commercial arm of ISRO to replace the now defunct Antrix
  • ISRO shall focus on R&D in advanced technology, proving newer systems and realisation of space objects for meeting national prerogatives”
  • ISRO’s tasks in the new policy is to “share technologies, products, processes and best practices with NGEs (non-government entities) and/or Government companies”
  • As ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL will become the interface for interacting with the industry, undertake commercial negotiations and provide hand-holding support to ensure smooth and efficient transfer of technologies
5. Private Sector role
  • NGEs (this includes the private sector) are “allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector through establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets and related services, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc.”
  • Satellites could be self-owned, procured or leased; communication services could be over India or outside; and remote sensing data could be disseminated in India or abroad
  • NGEs can design and operate launch vehicles for space transportation and establish their own infrastructure
  • The activities of the NGEs will be in keeping with guidelines and regulation to be issued by IN-SPACe
  • It is expected to act as the single window agency for authorising space activities “by government entities and NGEs”, in keeping with safety, security, international obligations and overall national interests
  • Finally, IN-SPACe is expected to create a “stable and predictable regulatory framework” that will ensure a level playing field for the NGEs. It will act as a promoter by setting up industry clusters and as the regulator, issue guidelines on liability issues
6. Way Forward
The policy sets out an ambitious role for IN-SPACe but provides no time frame for the necessary steps ahead
Neither is there an indicative timeline for ISRO’s transitioning out of its current practices nor is there a schedule for IN-SPACe to create the regulatory framework
The policy framework envisaged will need clear rules and regulations pertaining to FDI and licensing, government procurement to sustain the new space start-ups, liability in case of violations and an appellate framework for dispute settlement
A regulatory body needs legislative authority. The Reserve Bank of India was set up by the 1934 RBI Act, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) by the 1992 SEBI Act, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) by the 1997 TRAI Act
IN-SPACe is expected to authorise space activities for all, both government and non-government entities. Currently, its position is ambiguous as it functions under the purview of the Department of Space. The Secretary (Space) is also Chairman of ISRO, the government entity to be regulated by IN-SPAC
 
 
Source: The Hindu

NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY

1. Context 

On May 11 every year, we recall the post-independence achievements of India's Science and Technology sector.
This year is special, marking 25 years since we started celebrating National Technology Day.

2. Key points

  • On the iconic day of May 11, 1998, three very special technological advances were showcased by India's scientists and engineers Operation Shakti, also known widely as Pokhran-II nuclear tests; the successful test firing of the Trishul missile and the first flight of the indigenously developed aircraft Hansa.
  • The euphoria of demonstrations of these technologies was such that the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee added "Jai Vigyan (Hail Science) to Lal Bahadur Shastri's Popular Slogan of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan ( Hail the soldier and the farmer).

3. The Culture of Science

  • The achievements of May 11, 1998, were founded on the progress of the past 51 years that India's Science and Technology (S&T) sector had made while also contributing significantly to the economy.
  • The developments in S&T had already established India as a Pharmaceutical hub of the world, the Indian IT industry was gearing up to not only drive the world's IT-enabled services but also soon drive the digital growth of the country and it appeared that soon, India would break into the world's top economies.
  • Vajpayee's push for economic growth led by S&T is reflected in many of his speeches. For example, during a Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award ceremony, he said, Friends, all of us know that the creation of scientific and technological knowledge and the development of its practical, applications, is highly capital intensive.
  • Not only does it involve significant and sustained investment in infrastructure, equipment and raw materials, but also a long-term effort to build and retain top-class brainpower.
  • However, every rupee invested in indigenous R&D repays itself several times over in direct and indirect ways.
  • Prominent examples of the last point include the development of indigenous varieties of rice by modern and classical methods, which are yielding hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees in international trade.
  • This point needs to be emphasised over and over again to contemporary policymakers and bureaucracy, lest we forget the importance of the fundamentals of economic growth led by S &T.

4.  After Pokhran

  • Since 1998, the country has continued steadily in its journey of technological development. 
  • Among the visible examples of India's impactful technological progress are the digital payment gateways that have democratised financial transactions like never before and exemplify India's leadership in the world in this area.
  • Lesser-known milestones that have quietly been achieved are the making of indigenous BioJet Fules, mapping of subsurface water channels for sustainable use of water, making of indigenous light combat aircraft, development of a variety of crops by traditional methods of breeding, digitisation of many aspects of the trade and moving firmly towards a Hydrogen economy.
  • The recent push for infrastructural development, including the promotion of the use of domestic and industrial waste in it and its spectacular results, is already making headlines.
  • By steadily reducing energy dependence on natural resources and by promoting renewable energy, India is already in the League of Nations where its carbon footprint in the energy sector is likely to reduce dramatically.

5. Challenges

  • In many areas, including urban infrastructure and planning, containing air, water and soil pollution, slowing down rural to urban migrations, diversification of agricultural produce, judicious use of water resources and promotion of AI/ML technologies in all industrial segments.
  • India's S&T community is expected to address these challenges to meet the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians and realise the dream of "Amrit Kaal".
  • Among the concerns widely quoted in holding back India's S&T ecosystem is the lack of adequate investments by private industries in R&D.
  • The total expenditure on R&D, approximately 0.6 per cent of its GDP, is almost entirely contributed by public funds.
  • Inadequate involvement by state governments in S&T is also a matter of Concern.
  • Maharashtra for example, contributes close to 15 per cent of the country's GDP but spends a mere fraction of it on S&T.
  • Moreover, private industries' attempt to work in collaboration with academia is typically viewed under the scanner of "inappropriate" practices, which not only hampers the work undertaken but also discourages government-supported researchers from undertaking any collaborative work with industries.
  • Appropriate frameworks are urgently needed so that collaborations between industry and academia are facilitated at a rapid pace.
  • Finally, the time of execution of projects is a luxury that must be shed immediately if we are to accelerate growth led by S&T.
  • If India's ambitions of leading the world into a sustainable future, where all human beings live peacefully and in harmony with nature, were to realise, reforms in the bureaucratic system for the management of S&T are an immediate necessity.
For Prelims: National Technology Day, Operation Shakti, Trishul missile, aircraft Hansa, Atal Bihari Vajpayee- Jai Vigyan, Lal Bahadur Shastri -Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,
For Mains:
1. What are the achievements in the Indian Science and Technology sector since Independence? Discuss the challenges in it. (250 Words)
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. National Technology Day is observed on  (UPSC CAPF 2020)
A. 9 August
B. 8 September
C. 11 May
D. 17 May
 
Answer: C
 
2. What was the code name of the nuclear tests conducted by India in Pokhran in 1998? 
(NTPC 2016) 
A. Operation Desert storm
B. Operation Vijay
C. Operation Shakti
D. Operation Kaboom
 
Answer: C
 
3. From where was Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test was conducted? (IB ACIO Grade II 2021) 
A. Satish Dhawan Space Centre
B. Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Island launch complex
C. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
D. Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
 
Answer: B
 
4. Which of the following is correctly matched? (UPPSC 2012)
(a) Trishul - Surface to surface missile
(b) Prithivi - Surface to air missile
(c) NAG - Anti - tank missile
(d) Pinaka - Light combat aircraft
 
Answer: C
 
5. Consider the following: (UPSC  2022)
1. Aarogya Setu
2. COWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
(a) 1 and 2 only      (b) 2, 3 and 4 only     (c) 1, 3 and 4 only      (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
 
Answer: D
 
6. With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements:  (UPSC  2022)
1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation
Which of the following given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only     (b) 2 and 3 only       (c) 1 and 3 only           (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer:D
 
7. With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements:  (UPSC  2022)
1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only         (b) 2 and 3 only          (c) 1 and 3 only         (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer:D
 
8. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media?  (UPSC  2022)
(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same surface. speed and places a probe on its
 
Answer: C
 
9. Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?  (UPSC  2022)
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
 
Answer: B
 
10. Consider the following communication technologies:  (UPSC  2022)
1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network
Which of the above are considered of the Short-Range devices/technologies?
(a) 1 and 2 only.            (b) 2 and 3 only          (c) 1 and 3 only               (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer: D
 
11. Consider the following statements:  (UPSC  2022)
1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only           (b) 2 and 3 only            (c) 1 and 3 only           (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer: D
 
12. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :  (UPSC  2022)
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only          (b) 2 only        (c) 1 and 3                 (d) 2 and 3
 
Answer: C 
 
13. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:  (UPSC  2022)
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only           (b) 2 and 3 only       (c) 1 and 3 only        (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer: B
 
14. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? 

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